IT’S PACMAN ONCE AGAIN!!!

Photos from: Google Images

Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquaio again proved that he’s the best fighter in the world after capturing the victory in his battle against Joshua Clottey of Ghana.

With over 50,000 fans in attendance, Pacman rocked the Cowboys Stadium as he dominated the fight to retain his welterweight title.

Evidently, the whole match was in favor of Pacman. Although the fight didn’t turned out like Hatton’s, Clottey has bad strategy and just tried to avoid Manny’s punches. As told, his tactic keeps him upright, but he was never competitive in the biggest fight of his career.

“He’s a very tough opponent,” Pacquiao said. “He was looking for a big shot.”
Instead of Clottey, Pacman was thought to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. but did not come to reality over a dispute over bold testing. Nonetheless, his disappointment in his biggest fight was taken off by defeating Joshua Clottey.

Clottey, on the brighter side, had a good defense. But defense isn’t enough to win a fight, Coach Roach said.

Roach agreed, saying he saw nothing in Clottey to win.

For now, Congratulations Manny!

To watch the match in action, click here.

By: Zhella Jean Hulleza

YES, RAFA’S BACK!!!

Photos from: Google Images

Rafael Nadal’s fit again- and this calls for a celebration.

Enough of those sad moments brought by abandonment and injury issues. Let’s welcome a bright and cheerful day as Rafa’s delighted to be back at one of his favorite ATP Tournament- the Indian Wells.

Rafa spent two-and-a-half weeks to heal the tendon in his right knee. As a result this time, he’s ready to earn success in his comeback at Indian Wells where he won the title in 2007 and last year.

Nadal, who enjoys playing golf in non-match days, said he worked a lot in Mallorca the whole time and thinks he’s playing very well.

“I just want to be healthy and play well. If I do both things, I gonna have good chances to play and have good tournaments and to have good results.”

His comeback certainly can make a big difference on world rankings. If he’s really fit enough and cannot be shook off by those stupid injuries (I know he is), he surely can get back at no. 1 spot. And I’m very hopeful to witness that moment.

By: Zhella Jean A. Hulleza

“I’M GOING TO BE NO. 6”- JAMES

Cleveland Cavalier's Forward LeBron James



Photos from: NBA Gallery

All you LeBron James fans forget no. 23 and get ready for no. 6 cause his back’s going to be different.

James has filed paperwork with the NBA office to change his jersey number next season to no. 6 from no. 23. This decision of him is an effort to give up no. 23 in honor of his idol Michael Jordan.

“I’ve done it,” James said. “I already sent it in. I’m going to be no. 6.”

No. 6 is James’ Olympic number and the day of the month his first son was born. He also wore no. 6 everyday in their practice. As well, he isn’t the first player to change jersey number in his mid-career, some them were Michael Jordan from 23 to 54 and Kobe Bryant from no. 8 to no.24.

By: Zhella Jean A. Hulleza

FEDERER BACK AT INDIAN WELLS

Ailing top-seed Roger Federer

Photos from: Google Images

After suffering from a lung-infection last month, world no. 1 Roger Federer is now ready to win a title at Indian Wells ATP Tournament.

Federer has not competed since his victory at the Australian Open. Also, he has withdrawn from last month’s Dubai Tennis Championships because of the said complication.

The Swiss Superstar has fully recovered and hopes to continue some sort of good form from the way he was playing in Australia. He also said he definitely need matches to be able to judge his game.

Federer targets to win for the fourth time since he has been very successful at Indian wells.

He has also announced that he has practiced for four hours, so this is when he knew: “Okay no problem.”

He is ready to go and is hopeful to start a good match.


By: Zhella Jean A. Hulleza

ALSTON OUT FOR THE SEASON

Guard has been suspended for the remainder of the season

Photos from: NBA gallery

Rafer Alston was suspended by the Heat last Friday night after leaving the team without clearing his intentions.

Earlier this week, he told ESPN that his departure is from a personal matter involving his sister. According to Heat president Pat Riley, he has not explained his absence to the team.

Alston has been a member of the Miami Heat sine January 7 and has played 25 games for the Heat.

For other updates regarding the Heat, ckick here.

By: Zhella Jean A. Hulleza

Manny Pacquiao versus Joshua Clottey Weigh-Ins

Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey show their fine forms while promoter Bob Arum, left, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones watch during official weigh-in.


Manny Pacquiao and coach Freddie Roach work the mitts


Ghana's pride Joshua Clottey


For more photos, just click here.


All is set for tomorrow’s celebrated boxing match. Both Philippines’ pride Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Ghana’s pride Joshua Clottey had passed the official weigh-in. Pacquiao weighed 145 3/4 lbs while Clottey weighed 147 lbs.

Pacquiao and Clottey both trained hard to be the best in the boxing ring; Pacquiao with the supervision of Coach Freddie Roach while Clottey’s with his coach who was said to be denied of US Visa.

The two fighter will vie for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title on Saturday night at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas(Sunday in Manila).

For the video of the weigh-in, just click here.

by Sheila M. Pelaez

The Risk of Losing Without James

LeBron James of Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers' Mo Williams is having a hard time gaining a point with huge guards (Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut)of Bucks surrounding him.


Photos from NBA GALLERY

Saturday night's match between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks was the game when NBA fans all over the globe realized that the absence of LeBron James will make a huge hole in Cavs' game plan, or here's saying the least.

Coach Mike Brown finally gave James a break from the court. Unfortunately for the Cavs, the Bucks just seem so strong of a team for them to beat, especially with the absence of their top scorer.

Cavaliers seem to have paid the a huge price when they loss to Milwaukee 92-85.

For the game's RECAP, just click HERE.


By Sheila M. Pelaez

Piston's Stuckey Rushed To Hospital

Rodney Stuckey of Detroit Pistons



Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey is carried out on a stretcher in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Friday, March 5, 2010, in Cleveland. Stuckey collapsed into a trainer's arms on the bench Friday night during a game against the Cavaliers.

photos from NBA Gallery


Friday night's match between Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons was briefly halted when Rodney Stuckey of Pistons collapsed on his trainer's arms a few moments after he called a timeout, third quarter of the night's game.

Stuckey does not seem to show any sign of illness while playing making his teammates and trainers shocked of his sudden ailing.

Medical personnel rushed over to the Pistons’ bench with a stretcher.Play was halted for 12 minutes as the medical staff worked on Stuckey.

Cleveland players huddled together with their heads bowed, while Pistons teammate Tayshaun Prince sat silent in his chair a few feet away as Stuckey was being treated.

The Pistons said Stuckey was taken to the Cleveland Clinic and his vital signs were stable, but was going for further testing and observation.

Video of Stuckey being rushed to the hospital by medical staff.


by SHEILA M. PELAEZ

2,000,000 Guaranteed Tournament

2,000,000 Guaranteed Tournament

The recently-opened poker room at the Resorts World Manila (RWM) casino will be holding its first ever major tournament to add to its regular, higher-stakes cash tables.

Despite opening less than two months ago, the RWM poker room has already announced its first big event – a Php 2,000,000 guaranteed tournament to be held from April 16 to 19, 2010 at the RWM casino. Buy-in is set at Php 10,000 + Php 1,000.

“We are very excited to be holding our first-ever big tournament here,” said Hakan Dagtas, Assistant Vice-President for casino table games at RWM. “It is going to be two million pesos guaranteed and also an Asian Poker Tour accredited event, so poker players from the Philippines and Asia should mark this down on their calendars.”
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Players looking to win their way into the event can also join a satellite tournament the day before the event. RWM will be holding a Php 500 Super Satellite where one seat will be guaranteed for every ten players. One rebuy and one add-on will be available.

The poker room at the RWM casino currently has six cash games tables with stakes at a minimum of Php 50/100. Aside from the locals, international players also patronize RWM’s tables.

Here is the complete schedule for the RWM event:

April 15, 2010

6:00 pm – Php 500 Super Satellite 1 Rebuys + 1 Add on

April 16, 2010

2:00 pm – Php 2,000,000 Guaranteed (Day 1A)

April 17, 2010

2:00 pm – Php 2,000,000 Guaranteed (Day 1B)

April 18, 2010

2:00 pm – Php 2,000,000 Guaranteed (Day 2)

April 19, 2010

6:00 pm – Php 2,000,000 Guaranteed (Final)

BY: FRECELYNNE ABEGAIL LAMBINO

PACQUIAO'S LAST

Manny Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, says that his fight against Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas on March 13 could be his last.

Pacquiao, 31, is running for a congressional seat in his native Philippines while training for his upcoming bout.

If elected in May, he'll represent a community of about 400,000 people in need of improved healthcare, education and employment that the boxer himself was deprived of while being raised in poverty, the Los Angeles Times reports.

If he beats Clottey as expected, and if Flyod Mayweather Jr defeats Shane Mosley on May 1, negotiations for a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout are likely to resume.

However if he is elected to office, which is a distinct possibility in Pacquiao mad Philippines, then it is believed that his proposed mega-fight with Mayweather could never eventuate.


BY FRECELYNNE ABEGAIL LAMBINO

Tigers Vs. Tamarraws

Tigers Vs. Tamarraws

First Round Encounter: FEU def. UST – 25-23, 21-25, 27-25, 25-20
Second Round Encounter: UST def. FEU – 25-21, 25-20, 25-13
Finals Game 1: UST def. FEU – 25-20, 25-22, 25-22

UST takes home game one in a very convincing fashion to my surprise not that I’m not expecting that from them but what I am most surprised off is how FEU played during game one which is to say lackluster, uninspired and absent-minded. Again, I am really impressed with this current UST team: they are composed, smart and really good. Why? Just look at how Karl Dimaculangan sets the ball, it is so amazing to see him create that plays and why not? I really think they have one of the best combination plays I have seen in a collegiate men’s team. Credit also their good defense and solid, solid blocking. Also, what impressed me during their first encounter here in the Finals with FEU is how mentally and emotionally-ready they were coming to the game. You see in sets two and three, FEU is leading for most of the time during those sets and yet, they are able to win them all. Thanks also to key and veteran players like Henry Pecana, JP Torres and Harby Ilano. On the Tamaraws’ side however, their game was “okay”, it just lacked the end game finish probably because this is their first time in around two years that they got into the championship again. What is impressive with them is that no matter how marked their open spikers are, they seem to find a way to score much like Mumay Vivas of their women’s team. However, it is really apparent that the team cannot handle championship pressure and I guess, they are not ready for everything that maybe associated with it. Further, they have to prove why they are one of the best defenders on the floor and in doing that, they need to have excellent floor defense and they need to read the offense of UST if in case it passes through the block which is another point of concern/improvement. The team has little blocking and floor defense alone cannot keep the team afloat. Finally, there is the variation of plays. They are too predictable and the blockers of UST are making easy work of them. In the end though, if the Tigers will continue that dominant performance, this championship series might end here.

By: Frecelynne Abegail Lambino

For photos. Click here

Archers Vs. Tigers

Archers Vs. Tigers

First Round Encounter: DLSU def. UST – 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-11
Second Round Encounter: UST def. DLSU – 23-25, 20-25, 26-28, 25-16, 15-12
Finals Game 1: UST def. DLSU – 24-26, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21

It was a sad loss for the Lady Spikers and a triumphant win for UST. I am again surprised how the game turned-out especially for the Lady Spikers. Let me review first what UST did right this time. First, the team’s key players Angge Tabaquero and Aiza Maizo were unstoppable both in offense and in defense may it be in the net or in the floor. What was impressive was Rhea Dimaculangan, the team’s setter was able to confuse blockers of DLSU time and again which has been a key factor why they are able to run their plays flawlessly and of course, Angge’s attacks are almost unstoppable and awe inspiring. Although it can be said that their middle plays was missing. Both Maika Ortiz and Dindin Santiago are not performing at their usual while Jecjec Curato along with Aiza and Angge are also unstoppable at the floor. Also, there is their superb net defense which has read the attacks of the DLSU girls. The Lady Spikers on the other hand really had a poor setting duties. I saw the improvements over at Cha Cruz and Liss Gohing but they need to bring their A game back. Much like the game they had during the first round of elimination. Also what lacked is the variation of plays that they had no trouble executing before. For example the C-quick plays for Steph Mercado and Cha and the middle hits for Jacq Alarca and Abi Marano although. Further, Abi and Joanne Siy were almost a non-factor during the game (good thing Joanne was the only unmarked offensive option of the team) and even the reserve setter had rookie and championship jitters. Well sad to say that it is their worst game this season and they looked defeated already after sets two and three. The championship panache was gone and UST took advantage of it. If UST will be able to maintain that level of play and composure tomorrow, the championship series might end here. On the other hand, if DLSU will show dominance and derail the Tigresses tomorrow, there might be a good chance to extend this series.

By: Frecelynne Abegail Lambino

For the Video. Click here.

When Tiu comes back

Defending champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing got back into the limelight following his big triumph that resuscitated his hopes for an unprecedented seventh straight crown in the combined 2010 National Drag Racing Championship and 2010 Philippine Drag Racing Championship-Northern Series recently at the Clark International Speedway here.

Tiu spoiled the bid of teammate Anthony Go for solo leadership when he nailed the win in the premiere Pro class of this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and supported by San Miguel Corporation, Pilipinas Shell, Yokohama, PAGCOR, Aeromed, Hastings Motor Corporation, Sel J Pharma-Therasil Lozenges, Inside Racing and Stoplight TV.

It was one tough battle for Tiu who had to survive the ordeal against Ed Christian Go and Mato Tan of W. Autosports-Matonetics on his way to the final showdown where he clocked a fast 9.588 seconds to prevail over Anthony Go who ended with a red light violation.

Go took the runner-up honors while the fastest lady driver When When Dagondon rose up from the loser’s bracket to claim third place.

Dagondon turned back Ed Christopher Go in the loser’s bracket to earn the wild card pass and ruled over CJ Lopez in the quarterfinals before succumbing to Anthony Go in the semis.

“It was a close fight, had he not ended in a red light violation. It feels good to be back on track,” said Tiu.

Tiu almost ended in a double title but fell a little short against Mato Tan who captured the Quick 8 crown.

Tan and Tiu were almost even nearing the halfway mark but the former got the edge in the ensuing play to claim victory with a time of 9.404 seconds or 0.183 of a second ahead of Tiu’s 9.587 seconds.

Ed Christian Go registered 10.544 seconds to clinch third place in the battle against Elson Jose Dagondon. The next round is set March 13 at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

By: Frecelynne Abegail Lambino


For Further reading:
http://sports.inquirer.net/youthsports/youthsports/view/20100112-246807/Tiu-sets-new-RP-record-in-drag-racing-kickoff
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=439924

STILL BELIVING IN NADAL

Photos from Google Images

After suffering from stupid injuries, many are still clueless if Rafael Nadal can still make a phenomenal comeback. Many still questions if he can play like never before and gain the top spot in the world of tennis.

Remembering his story, Nadal has weighed down by several injuries since November 2008. He suffered from tendinitis that forced him to withdraw his appearance on Davis Cup. He has also missed the chance to get the trophy for the fifth time in the French Open because of his injuries. Also, Nadal had to retire with a different knee injury in his quarterfinal match at the Aussie Open this year .And the worst aftermath is-Rafa dropping to fourth in the rankings and struggling to get back into his shape.



However, analysts still believe Nadal will recover back to his best time and win in his minor and major competitions.

If Nadal can fully get better, there is no doubt he can gain that top spot. Remember, there is no other player who can drive Roger Federer that crazy. Nadal, being a very enduring player can surely repeat what he has done before. He’s only 23, and injuries really do happen. That’s normal.

As a self-proclaimed number one fan, I find it rigid to watch the downfall of Rafa. I’m actually sick and tired of the news, hearing that he is always defeated in his matches. Nevertheless, I must not concentrate on this but rather on his motivation in giving what he could possibly offer.

The most important thing is Rafa’s recovering process. There is really no doubt that he can get back into the court like a hungry lion, eager to get a title. He has enough spirit and motivation to beat them all and even melt the cool Swiss Alps. He is a threat to all players and could really get back to number one spot.

After all, who have thought that Andre Agassi could come back from number 141 in the world to number one?

Number four, is just three steps away to the top, and I know for Nadal, everything is so possible. Vamos!!

By: Zhella Jean A. Hulleza